GRESFORD ATHLETIC RESERVES 2

CORWEN RESERVES 0

THERE was no drama similar to the previous meeting between Corwen Reserves and Gresford Athletic.

On that occasion, Gresford recovered from trailing 3-0 at the interval to record an unbelievable 4-3 success versus their War Memorial Park hosts.

However, the return match at Clappers Lane saw Gresford claim a 2-0 triumph, with both goals coming in the second period.

It was the visitors who had the first chance of the game.

Tom Dolben Hughes passed the ball to Jack Evans, who played a quick one-two with Will Hughes before getting through on goal, but he sent his shot wide of the target.

In the 14th minute, Dolben Hughes' flick was looping towards the top corner, but keeper Mike Price saved.

At the Corwen end, a corner was whipped into to box, where Will Roberts got his a header on target, but the ball hit teammate Darren Jones and went out for a goal kick.

A minute later and Gresford went close to going in front.

Taylor Williams' shot at goal in a crowded box struck the crossbar. Williams had another chance when a high ball was played into the Corwen box, but he fired his effort over the bar.

The hosts were forced to make a change late in the half.

Keeper Mike Price had to go off injured and his place between the sticks was taken by striker Will Roberts.

In the closing stages of the half, the ball was played out to Corwen first team boss Danny Jellicoe, whose effort from the edge of the box went over the bar.

Turning to the second half and Sion Roberts' challenge resulted in Gresford claiming a penalty, however the referee was having none of it.

As play continued, Gareth Williams shot beyond Corwen keeper Nathan Roberts, but his attempt from a tight angle went wide.

Athletic did manage to take the lead from the penalty spot in the 56th minute.

A clumsy challenge in the area saw the referee point to the spot and Taylor Williams tucked away the penalty to break the deadlock.

Athletic went close to extending their advantage soon after.

Tom Williams' effort was on target, but it was headed clear off the line by Sion Roberts.

A corner lead to a chance for Corwen.

Sion Roberts was first to the ball, but he was unable to find the back of the net with his header.

It was pretty much game over when the hosts doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute.

Tom Williams' low shot from the edge of the box found the bottom corner of the net.

It could have been 3-0 soon after when a shot went over Nathan Roberts, but Sion Roberts was again on hand to head the ball off the line.

Corwen looked to set up a grandstand finish in the 90th minuite when substitute Scott Evans passed the ball to Wil Roberts, whose shot was deflected wide of the target.